25 Jun Strengthening emergency response: OAPC commends Toronto’s action on paramedic staffing
The OAPC is commending Mayor Chow and Toronto City Council for taking bold and effective action to address growing pressures on the 911 emergency response system by increasing the number of frontline paramedics serving the City of Toronto. As Ontario’s largest and most densely populated urban center, Toronto has faced rising challenges in maintaining timely emergency medical response. High call volumes, heavy traffic congestion, and prolonged offload delays at hospitals have put considerable strain on paramedic resources and response times. Today’s commitment to hiring 112 additional paramedics is a significant step toward alleviating those pressures, and ensuring residents receive timely paramedic care when they need it most.
“This commitment from the mayor and council sends a clear message: the safety and well-being of Toronto residents is top priority,” said Greg Sage, President of OAPC. “By putting more trained professionals on the streets we’re closing the gap on response times and ensuring residents get the care they need when they need it.”
With more paramedics, response times for urgent 911 calls are expected to improve significantly, enhancing patient outcomes for time sensitive emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and traumatic injuries. The added capacity also provides much needed relief to existing paramedics helping to reduce burnout and improve morale on the front lines. In a city where every second counts, this investment not only strengthens the healthcare system but also builds greater resilience for future emergency events.
The OAPC looks forward to continuing its work with the city to support stronger, faster and more responsive emergency medical systems for all residents.